Included in this lot are Two (2) Victorian Men's Leather Clad Collar Boxes with Collars and Snap Cufflinks, circa 1900s. Collars from the 1800s might not look like much. A closer inspection shows that this small accessory brings together the history of technology, class, and race in America. To a modern eye, the collar certainly looks “old-fashioned,” but a century ago most men wore separable collars (and cuffs) with their shirts. This was particularly the case if they were dressing up or if they had a job in an office or a store, a “white collar” occupation. The collar also looks very stiff. This was also the common fashion, with pressing and heavy starching ordinarily applied to almost any men’s collar. The separable collar was introduced in the early 1800s as a way of allowing men of more modest means to look sufficiently presentable when the occasion warranted it. Wealthier folks could have their entire shirts laundered after every wearing, but such services were largely out of reach to those with less money, such as laborers, farmers, clerks, or ordinary storekeepers. Laundering in the era before washing machines and modern fabrics was far more labor-intensive than today. The new style collar made it possible for much larger numbers of people to present themselves in church, courts, offices, and stores without bringing embarrassment or revealing their more modest status. Initially collars were made of linen but in 1870 collars made of plastic, celluloid, became available minimizing the need of regular laundry services. Both leather collar boxes feature an insert on the lid top for storing cufflinks and studs. Both boxes have a variety of linen and celluloid collars, regular, bean back and snap link cufflinks. Leather exteriors are visibly distressed and worn, metal top inserts are fancifully scrolled. Large oval box measures 6.25"W x 7.5"L x 5.5"H, smaller round box is 6" diameter x 5.75"H. Collective weight 2lb, 10oz.